Arambam Samarendra remembered
Rich tributes paid all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10: The 8th death anniversary of Arambam Samarendra was observed today at Moreh, Jiri, Cachar, Hojai and other places of Manipur with offering of floral tributes to the photographs of Samarendra as the main feature.

Competitions on patriotic songs, poetry recitation, composition of prose, symposium, cultural dance, mathematics competition, patriotic lyrics, indigenous games like yubi lakpi, kang, mukna, uraobi and tug of war were also held as part of the observance.

The main function was held at Khurai Salanthong under the aegis of Social Standard Club and Arambam Samarendra Memorial Trust where people paid floral tributes to the bust of Samarendra.

Floral tributes being paid at the photo of late A Samarendra

On the occasion, the Trust recalled that late Samarendra wished for communal harmony between the hills and valley, a classless and egalitarian society free from any kind of discrimination where women are given due respect and room for active participation in the development race of the world.

The Trust members stated that Samarendra was a highly patriotic son of the soil.

Asserting that all those yearning for a change may join in a same current under similar inspirations, they claimed that Samarendra was strongly against any form of animosity amongst the indigenous people of the region.

The influence that is reportedly breeding hatred amongst the native people did not originate from the land but was deliberately built up by external forces.

It's time to ponder over the unfortunate development brought by a strong violent wind that is blowing in the land which is instigating and pitching the indigenous people against each other.

At the time when there is a serious crisis of livelihood resulting from continued dependence on 'others', it is questionable whether "we should go on exploiting each other" "We have the strength, we have the sacrificial spirit but we lack trust amongst ourselves and are suffering from dejection while those victimised by the situation have been left to their fates", they observed.

The situation demands an impetus and a thrust from the people to push forward those brothers going in reverse gear, the Trust noted.

In another observance organised by the Manipur State Leela Council (MSSLC) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen, poetry penned by Samarendra were read out by Shumang Leela artistes.

The observance was attended by ex-MLA Dr M Nara, MSSLC president Th Gunachandra, advisors L Tarpan, Warrepa Naba and former vice-president Narendra Ningomba as presidium members.

In connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Samarendra, a memorial lecture was also organised at JN Manipur Dance Academy under the aegis of the Arambam Samarendra Memorial Trust.

At Khongman, Samarendra's play Tritha Yatra was staged during a commemorative function organised by Social Workers' Congress, Khongman.

The play staged by the Juvenile Theatre, Kongba was directed by Oken Amakcham.

The main features of the observance organised by Meetei Society Churachandpur at Saikot were children's painting competition, debating competition and extempore speech.

Similar programmes were also organised at Yumnam Khunou, Takhel, Keibi, Taret Khul, Aryan Theatre, Iroishemba, Yaiskul, Kangla Hall, Brahmapur and GP Women's College.

In connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Arambam Samarendra, a football tournament was also organised at Phubala.

At Kakching Khunou, indigenous tug of war (men's and women's) competition was organised while a volleyball tournament was held at Pallel besides organising Yubi Lakpi at Charangpat, Mukna at Wangoo and district level football tournament at Langmeidong.

In all, the 8th death anniversary of Arambam Samarendra was observed at 32 different places including Cachar, Hojai, Jiribam, Moreh, Thoubal, Kumbi, Kwakta Khuman, Ningthoukhong, Nachou, Bishnupur Keithel and Churachandpur.